"I think we can get along very well without any of your help." "Yes," chimed in Ben.

Lake, "and we'll catch you before you are half-way to the island." "We'll see about that!" shouted George, in reply.
By this time the Speedwell was fairly before the wind, the sails were hauled taut, the boys seated themselves on the windward gunwale, and the race began in earnest.

But they soon found that it would be much longer than they had imagined.

Instead of the slow, straining motion which they had expected, the Speedwell flew through the water like a duck, mounting every little swell in fine style, and rolling the foam back from her bow in great masses.

She was, beyond a doubt, a fast sailer.
George and Harry shouted and hurrahed until they were hoarse, and Frank was so overjoyed that he could scarcely speak.
"How she sails!" exclaimed Harry.